We are all aware of the instances in recent months of unacceptable waiting times for ambulances and paramedics being directed, sometimes hundreds of kilometres, to respond to an emergency. This is obviously deeply distressing for families and communities who should be assured of access to emergency services. These fears are even more acute in rural areas where waiting times can be much more significant. The delays in the ambulance service are a cause of worry in themselves, but coupled with the erosion of health se…

The first line of the committee’s report captures the main issues we are discussing this evening. It states that it is a challenging time in the forestry sector. The committee has repeatedly heard that it is a time of crisis. The sector is expected to respond constructively to the current backlog in forestry licenses. Ireland has a native forestry industry but the backlog has effectively curtailed domestic activity, leading to a reliance on imports. This is just unbelievable. Although the report was published in Ma…

Transport infrastructure is an essential prerequisite for regional development. I will focus on a few key points in the time available. First, public transport in rural areas is essential for accessibility and social inclusion and can make a substantial difference in achieving climate goals. The lack of a robust and reliable public transport system continues to be a challenge and an obstacle for people living in rural areas in accessing employment, education and health services. Public transport is an equality issu…

There are increasing calls for greater action on incidents of drinks being spiked in pubs and nightclubs. Victims are severely affected by having their drinks spiked and this practice is also associated with sexual assaults. However, considerable uncertainty exists in this area as incidents are under-reported. Often, when individuals realise what has happened, the substances may have left their system. We need victims to be assured that they will be listened to and respected by gardaí and hospitals. This is an issu…

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for selecting this important issue for debate. The importance of the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP26 as it is also known, cannot be overstated. Speaking at the world leaders’ summit opening, Elizabeth Wathuti, a climate activist from Kenya, outlined the realities for those living on the front lines of climate change, facing droughts, famine and deteriorating living conditions. She gave a very clear message, saying: The decisions you make here will help determine whether chil…

I accept the Minister of State's commitment, but I remain sceptical. He did not address the abandonment of the programme for Government commitment to establishing a just transition commissioner. Our annual transition statements highlight the inadequacies of actions so far. Our society and economy need major change. That is possible and is something that can and should be done. We need the Government to take substantial and brave leadership and we need a unified approach. Regrettably, in response to the Climate Chan…

Respectfully, instead of slashing Sinn Féin, can the Minister of State answer my question on the just transition commissioner?

I thank Deputy Harkin for producing this Bill, and the Independent Group for facilitating its discussion. This Bill recognises the value of credit unions as volunteer-led community financial co-operatives and enables them to provide a greater range of services to members. Credit unions offer an incredibly important service in communities. We have one of the highest percentages of population who are members of credit unions globally. Irish people deeply value and use their credit unions. Unfortunately, the legal and…

The Bill helps address this with the requirement the Central Bank obtains the consent of the Minister for Finance when prescribing the minimum regulatory reserve requirement for credit unions. Also, the importance of the section that values the common bond is essential. The common bond is the priceless solidarity that drives credit unions' philosophy, ensures it is focused on the needs of members and helps protect its community. Crucially, the Bill proposes the Central Bank would regulate credit unions in an approp…

I ask the Minister to provide an update on the status of the ban on large trawlers of more than 18 m operating in inshore waters. Last month, the Court of Appeal refused the Minister's application to continue a stay on the ban. I realise it is a matter the Minister inherited, but it is a very important issue for many fishers, the marine sector and coastal ecosystems.

I thank the Minister for the clarification and his ongoing work to protect our inshore waters. The reality is that within a few days, or even a day, of the recent court decision, I was receiving reports of large vessels operating by the coast, often within Bantry Bay in west Cork. It is a major concern for local professions and organisations. The issue has now been going back and forth for over a year. The uncertainty around the ban will probably continue for some time. I ask the Minister to explain why the Departm…

I am sure the Minister can see why groups are calling for a new consultation process. The situation is difficult to unravel for people. While the Minister does not have the decision from the court, he knows that the consultation process was the reason the directive was overturned in the first place. My point is that this may not work out and if we had started a new consultation process already, less time would be lost. Another potential solution suggested to me is the introduction of a statutory instrument to restr…

On the question of statutory instruments, would the Minister consider introducing a statutory instrument?

On banning pair trawling.

Can that consultation be started now?

I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, of an additional €1.15 million for specialist eating disorder teams. However, due to years of underinvestment, it is an understatement to say this service falls far short of what is needed. No funding was allocated under the national eating disorder treatment plan in 2020, and of the €1.6 million allocated in 2019, not one cent was spent. There are just three impatient beds for eating disorders in the entire country, all of which are in Dublin. Peo…

I thank the Regional Group for using its time to progress this vital Bill. Like everybody else, I am contacted every week by families who are deeply concerned about a child or family member with autism spectrum disorder who cannot access the therapeutic interventions and educational supports to which he or she is entitled. This is a key point. Young people are entitled to these services. Early interventions will have an incredible developmental impact which improves the quality of life for young people and their fa…

I have requested a meeting with the SENO and the Minister of State on this issue. I would appreciate a response to that. I thank the Minister of State. That is a clear failure. The Department is aware of the numbers of children and knows the spaces that will be required. Not only is it failing to meet the needs of the young people, but it is adding stress and fear onto struggling families. There is an abundant need for considerably more ASD spaces in schools across Cork South-West, and for a special school. It is u…

In that case, why is the Government delaying it by another year?

This seems to now be a standard approach from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Bill is being delayed using the excuse that the autism innovation strategy must be developed and implemented. A similar approach is being taken with the optional protocol to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We could ratify the optional protocol tomorrow if the Government wanted to, as the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the UN special rapporteur have sai…